Plans to turn a former golf clubhouse into a brewery and restaurant have been approved by the Development Applications Board.

The planning application proposed converting a warehouse at the former Riddell’s Bay Golf Club into a brewery operation.

Documents included in the application said: “The industrial warehouse will primarily house brewery equipment and production to support hotel and bar operations across the country.

“Additional uses will include adjacent food service and bar retail at this property, revitalisation of the existing restaurant and bars in the main building and outdoor recreational activities, likely including a golf driving range and event lawn activities.”

A report by a technical officer said the proposal was a “very welcome repurposing and reuse of the former golf clubhouse” which would bring the building back into use while supporting the economy of the area.

The report added that the project would create new jobs and allow a local business to expand its operations in a way that would be complementary to the new residential lots and public park.

While a special development order was approved for the former Riddell’s Bay golf course, the technical officer noted that the SDO did not approve any development on the site, so it would not directly affect the board’s consideration of the application.

However, the board could have regard to “relevant consolidations” including the status of the property in the wake of the SDO.

“The Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club ceased operation in March 2016, and the SDO for the area was granted on July 27, 2020, allowing the creation of 18 residential lots and the retention of two existing development lots,” the report said.

“The SDO effectively resulted in the discontinuation of the previous recreational use, the golf course, so the current recreation zoning is no longer fit for purpose.”

The report noted that the warehouse had been used as a mechanical workshop for golf equipment and for charging electric golf carts.

“The building would now be used to primarily house brewery equipment and production, therefore the industrial function of the building would be maintained, albeit in a slightly different format, which is acceptable.”

The report writer said that while a portion of the warehouse stands within the 15ft minimum setback from a woodland reserve, the project would not worsen the situation or do anything that would contravene the objectives of protecting the reserve.

Riddell's Bay Golf Club, with 19,000sq ft of space and nearly two acres of land, closed in 2016 and was put on the market for $2.85 million.

In July 2020, a special development order for an 18-home development and the creation of a conservation area on the golf course was approved.

The Riddell’s Bay Gardens and Nature Reserve covers 66 acres and includes walking trails, gardens and water features, with another 23 acres divided into 18 plots of land to build homes.